Microsoft and SanDisk to develop portable desktop

Stan Beer
Sunday, 13 May 2007 09:54

Business IT - Technology

Microsoft and flash memory maker SanDisk have teamed up to develop new portable USB flash drives that can be automatically loaded with their desktop software applications and personal settings, as well as data.

The new SanDisk USB storage devices will effectively enable users to take an image of their Windows desktops and carry it around in their pockets. The devices will plug into a USB 2.0 port of any Windows XP or Vista computer and enable users to work as if they were on their own computer.

SanDisk already offers a similar device called the U3 smart drive, which enables users to transport Windows-based applications and settings. The new device, however, represents an attempt by SanDisk and Microsoft to go a step further and create a platform that can be licensed to hardware vendors and is accessible to the entire Windows development community.

The new technology will replace U3, with third party developers offered a migration path to the new platform.

“The U3 platform was established with the vision of giving customers a consistent and portable computing experience. The existing 20,000 U3 software developers that joined us show the potential for smart flash memory devices,” said Yoram Cedar, executive vice president of the mobile business unit and corporate engineering at SanDisk.

“We expect this relationship with Microsoft will raise the overall experience for consumers given Microsoft’s unique software expertise, and grow the momentum given the large community of 3rd party companies capable of utilizing Microsoft’s technologies.”

According to a joint SanDisk and Microsoft announcement, Microsoft will develop the new software platform and SanDisk will develop new hardware capabilities, including the addition of new security technology called TrustedFlash. SanDisk will incorporate the combined software and hardware solution on removable flash memory cards and Cruzer USB flash drives. The new offering is expected to be commercially available starting in the second half of 2008.